This paper discusses factors affecting the execution of supply chain management and
presents a conceptual model and six hypotheses based on such factors identified in the
literature. The model was tested in two European country-specific cases using structural
equation modelling. Findings in both cases confirm the hypothesized hierarchical order
of three proposed antecedents: ‘internal SCM conditions’ affect ‘joint SCM conditions’
which in turn influences collaborative ‘SCM-related processes’. Managerial
implications are that firms in both countries should adopt these hierarchical steps to
ensure a rigorous and appropriate approach to achieving full and integrative SCM.